The vehicle struck a deer a few miles away from his New Lebanon home, said Walter Ayres, a spokesman for the commission. The accident occurred in a state vehicle on a Sunday because Teiteilbaum was returning from a Friday meeting in New York City with Andrew Celli, a commissioner, Ayres said. The return trip was on Sunday, because he had personal business in New York City on Saturday. The accident took place at 4:30 p.m.

The incident was reported to State Police, Ayres said, although the deer was missing when the police arrived at the scene. Repair estimates on the fender are being sought, he said.

The commission has just two cars, said Brad Maione, a spokesman for the Office of General Services. Among OGS’s fleet of nearly 200 used by its staff, car/animal accidents are common: 185 this year; 282 last year and 249 in 2006.

Ayres said this is the first for the commission that he can recall in 20 years.

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